In an effort to regulate and control the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnics to welcome 2020, the Quezon City government has designated zones where fireworks use and displays are allowed.
“We urge the public to use fireworks only within the permitted zones in the city. We hope everyone will cooperate with the city government in promoting safe and responsible celebration during the holidays,” said Mayor Joy Belmonte, stressing that the use of firecrackers this season must be carried out with utmost regard to its possible hazards and to the safety of every citizen.
Meanwhile, the city government of Muntinlupa targets zero firecracker-related injuries and will apprehend motorists using open mufflers in the holiday season.
Muntinlupa Public Information Officer Tez Navarro said the City Government aims to have zero firecracker-related casualties when residents welcome the New Year, as the government implements its Oplan Iwas Paputok campaign.
Several firecracker zones have been assigned in all 12 police stations under the Quezon City Police District’s areas of responsibility. Each zone will be manned by a team comprised of barangay officials, Barangay Security and Development Officers, and volunteers.
These are: La Loma, PS1; Masambong, PS2; Talipapa, PS3 Novaliches, PS4; Fairview, PS5; Batasan, PS6; Cubao, PS7; Project 4, PS8; Anonas, PS9; Kamuning, PS10; Galas, PS11 and Eastwood, PS12
“We have assigned a total of 180 firecracker zones all over QC and we will deploy several police personnel who will make rounds of stations to ensure full implementation. Our objective is to ensure that the occurrence of fireworks-related injuries, damage to properties, and even death will be minimized,” said QCPD Police Major Alexander Barredo.
“The use of fireworks outside the designated zones and use of illegal fireworks are both prohibited,” added Barredo, citing Ordinance No. 2618, s.2017.
Anyone who will violate will be fined P5,000 and/or will be imprisoned by one year.
Belmonte, meanwhile, encouraged the public to watch and enjoy community fireworks displays that will be simultaneously staged by the city government and other partner establishments in various parts of the city at 12 midnight to usher in the new year.
The community fireworks display will be held at Quezon City Memorial Circle, La Loma Area (Calavite corner A. Bonifacio Ave., Barangay Paang Bundok), Novaliches Area (SB Plaza, Barangay Novaliches Proper) and Eastwood Mall Open Park.
“We recognize that fireworks can be a fun way to celebrate but we want to make it safe at the same time. We invite the public to safely enjoy these professional fireworks display in QC,” said Belmonte.
In Muntinlupa, Navarro said the City Health Office recorded a significant decrease in casualties from 13 cases in 2016 to six in 2017 and reduced to two in 2018 upon the implementation of the ban.
Local hospitals including Ospital ng Muntinlupa are on standby and have installed fast lanes to provide emergency medical assistance to victims of firecracker blasts.
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi ordered the local Peace and Order Council to intensify inspections on marketplaces to confiscate illegal firecrackers and apprehend violators.
On December 23, the Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau and MMDA led an operation in Alabang Viaduct to apprehend vendors selling firecrackers and conducted an information drive.
The City Council passed Ordinance No. 14-092 prohibiting the display and distribution of firecrackers in Muntinlupa as part of its efforts to reduce cases of casualties and harmful effects of pyrotechnic devices to health and the environment.
Apprehended individuals using firecrackers will be fined with P1,000 up to P5,000 penalty. While commercial establishments selling firecrackers may face revocation of permit and license to operate in pursuant to penalties provided in the ordinance.
Further, mall owners or similar establishments may organize fireworks displays in designated areas upon securing a permit from Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine National Police.
The city government is also set to organize a motorcade on December 30 to launch its Iwas Paputok information drive. During the motorcade, local officials will distribute alternative noisemaking devices in District 1 and 2 barangays.
The motorcade will begin at Muntinlupa City Hall Quadrangle and will conclude in South Station, Alabang with a boodle fight event.
While alternative noise-making activities are encouraged, MTMB warned motorists that the use of aftermarket mufflers, or removal of such, which emit excessive loud noise causing disturbances in is prohibited as per City Ordinance 04-022 or the Muntinlupa City Traffic Code.
The local government has coordinated with PNP and LTO to put up checkpoints and conduct monitoring surveillance on major thoroughfares, including secondary roads, for the apprehension of revelers with open mufflers.
Fresnedi urges residents to use alternative noise-making instruments and not to patronize firecrackers and open-pipe mufflers. He encouraged Muntinlupa residents to celebrate the New Year’s Eve safely.
Muntinlupa residents are also encouraged to report violators to authorities. Locals may contact the following offices: MTMB (831-9884), PNP Muntinlupa (862-2611 / 09083770084), BFP Muntinlupa (842-2201), Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (925-4351), and Ospital ng Muntinlupa (771-0457).
